Chukudu

A Chukudu is in the east of Congo -developed and used in the 1970s wooden roller load, whose name is the onomatopoeic description of the driving noise is ( " Chu -ku -du "). That a oversized scooter -like vehicle dominates the streets of Goma. The unladen vehicle with one leg moved forward by the driver on his knees by pushing with the other leg. With greater load must be pushed without slope, the topographic conditions allow for the transport of goods in the city but mostly a downhill rolling, in which the driver stands on the side member behind the charge. Is braked by pressing a rubber piece, which is attached to the rear wheel.

Production

The Chukudu is made ​​by local artisans in the outskirts of Goma from local wood and recycled parts. For the treads of the wheels and the simple friction brake at the rear tailored scrap tires are used, the ball bearings and axles of the wheels come from scrapped cars. The knee pad on the side rail is made of the sole of a worn-out flip -flop sandal.

The information on the enormous carrying capacity of the Chukudu fluctuate between 600 and 700 kilograms.

Importance

According to the traditional division of labor in the Congo women wear the heavy loads such as firewood, water, food. In the mountainous forest area outside of the town of Goma, the risk of rape and robbery is added by rebels. Does the family Chukudu, so does the man rather these tasks.

In addition, the economic significance is immense. Since many loads such as wood or banana from the surrounding mountains downhill ride into the city, a very rational transport is possible without incurring the relatively high cost of truck transport. A " Chukudeur " can with transport services between $ 10 and $ 15 a day to achieve, in the poor region of a very good income.

An attempt by the mayor of Goma, to banish the Chukudus from the city center, was abandoned after protests. Meanwhile, the UN peacekeeping force organized instead issued a price " Chukudu rally ".

Others

The anthropologist and photographer Teun Voeten headed his article in the daily newspaper figuratively meeting with the following words:

"It seems to come out of the cave garage of the Flintstones. "